Thirty-seven militants of different outfits on Tuesday surrendered before the 25 Sector units of Assam Rifles of the Dah Division in Tirap in Arunachal Pradesh.The cadres, 23 from NSCN (K), 7 from NSCN (IM) and 7 from ANLA – surrendered with 21 pistols, one M-16 assault rifle, one .22 Chinese rifle, one 9mm carbine, one revolver, seven grenades and 5 SBBL guns, a press release stated. In 2009 and 2010, on four separate occasions a total of 65 cadres had surrendered at Khonsa and with today’s surrender the number has gone upto 102. Major General GS Katoch, General Officer Commanding, Dah Division, presided over the welcome function. Brigadier JS Negi, Commander, 25 Sector Assam Rifles, Col Naveen, Commandant, 19 Assam Rifles, W Lowang, DC, Tirap and Madhup Tewari, SSP, Tirap, shared the dais. Major General Katoch felicitated the surrendered cadres for the bold and wise decision to join the national mainstream. He said that the return of a large number of cadres to the mainstream was an indicator of the fact that efforts of the security forces were paying dividends. Major General Katoch emphasised the commitment of security forces towards rehabilitation of the misguided youths. He added that documentation for grant of monthly stipend and other benefits would commence forthwith. He highlighted the positive role of the rehabilitation centre at Dinjan Military Station in Dibrugarh district where the surrendered youths are imparted vocational training aimed at providing adequate skills for employment. He also thanked Madhup Tewari, SSP, Tirap and W Lowang, DC, Tirap for their support and cooperation. Brig JS Negi mentioned that the entire process of motivating the cadres and sensitizing them was a joint effort of security forces with the district police.